Namaskar,
Baba’s original and true A’nanda Va’niis stand as one of the great traditions of Ananda Marga. This we all know.

Twice annually on New Year’s & Ananda Purnima Baba would give a spirited message of a few lines that was entirely new in content, complete in expression, and eternal in nature. In that way, each Ananda Vanii is verily a discourse unto itself. So Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis are really something unique and incomparable.

However, now in this post 1990 era, certain party leaders have taken it upon themselves to invent and issue Fake Ananda Vaniis for their own interests & political ends. These fake Ananda Vaniis are nothing but their own claim for power and legitimacy.

As Ananda Margiis, as disciples of Baba, we should be strict in adhering to Baba’s divine system of Ananda Vaniis and use only those original Ananda Vaniis as our guiding light – not any fake version. Thus on the occasions of New Year’s & Ananda Purnima, we should select one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. Already, this is what so many units are doing around the globe.

As 2013 is a mere 6 weeks away, we should get organised and prepare ourselves accordingly.

Here below is a general discussion of this topic. This is a vast subject so please write in your thoughts and comments. As disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji we are to be vigilant on this matter as it regards the authenticity and sanctity of His divine teachings.

MORE ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF BABA’S ORIGINAL A’NANDA VA’NIIS

Baba’s true Ananda Vanii messages are very precise and pointed like an arrow. They are complete discourses in and of themselves. They are not part of any larger discourse; and they are not just a quote or partial paragraph. Baba’s true Ananda Vaniis are 100% full & complete and stand as is. They are unique and new in their own special way.

One of the most recognisable and special attributes of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis is that they infuse prana (positive life-force) into even half-dead persons and give strength and vigor to all sadhakas. Infused with courageous spirit and indomitable nature, Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis are 100% unique and stand apart from His other discourses. Only His original and true Ananda Vaniis have that unbridled energy to inspire one and all to move ahead.

History bears testimony that Baba Himself wrote all those Ananda Vaniis in His own handwriting. And He did not just do one like this; but, time after time, for many years Baba continued to write His original Ananda Vaniis with His own hand. All senior margiis are aware about this. In contrast, with other discourses and book chapters, Baba never did like this. Countless discourses He has given and always He was speaking, and devotees were writing. Whereas Ananda Vaniis were written by His hand. This shows the personal and special quality of Ananda Vaniis.

Here is one of His true and eternal Ananda Vaniis.

Baba says, “After millions of animal lives, a created being attains the human form. That is why all the sacred books speak of the rarity of human life. The wise properly utilize all objects and this utilization alone makes the existence of the object worthy. You have achieved the human frame. You must make it meaningful by your sádhaná, service and sacrifice. Engage yourself in such useful pursuits that even your worst enemies have hardly any chance to despise you. Utilize yourself in such a manner so as to satisfy yourself mentally, that you never wasted your time uselessly on this earth.” (Ananda Vanii #33)

In all, Baba has blessed us with 74 of these divine guidelines known as Ananda Vaniis. Each with their own inherent beauty; each with their own timeless message. And Baba has Himself specially collected them all together and marked them in His publication: Ananda Vanii Samgraha. These alone stand as those unparalleled and dharmic messages which Baba has so graciously blessed us with during the time of New Year’s Day and Ananda Purnima gatherings. These alone are Ananda Vaniis.

WHAT THE GROUP CAMPS ARE DOING

However, nowadays various Fake A’nanda Vaniis are being created and passed around by the various groups.

Certainly, most margiis and field workers understand that any so-called Ananda Vanii created by one of the factions is a Fake A’nanda Va’nii.

Even then it is important for us to recognise and review how & why these Fake Ananda Vaniis came into existence so that we can eliminate this dogma permanently.

Baba says, “The despondent humanity, in the monumental task of searching for veracity, sees the beacon leading to the path of effulgence. This immense task makes humanity’s existence resplendent and illumines its path of movement with the blazing tenderness of humanism. You are the blessed travellers on that effulgent path. Let the unique blending of your profound wisdom and intense urge for action rend asunder the mists of sinful deeds and smash to dust the jagged rocks of hypocrisy, and establish you in the realm of supreme fulfilment. This is my wish for you on this auspicious New Year’s day.” (Ananda Vanii #71)

Baba, please grace me by coming to my home. For You I have decorated the vedii (dais). I have prepared the garland of sweet malati flowers for You.

Baba, I am sitting in meditation and waiting for Your divine arrival. My ears are ready and waiting in anticipation of Your soft footsteps.

Baba, my mind is not in my control; with the flow of this sweet breeze it is rushing towards You. Everything is vibrating in Your love. Baba please grace me by coming and sitting in my heart in that most intimate & loving way…

(Note: This is the second letter in this series. A link to the first letter titled “One Step to Please Guru” (28/10/12) is appended below. – Eds)

Namaskar,
“We are to fill our days from morning till night doing those things which will please Him. And pleasing Him means doing as per the desire of Guru, and following the so many guidelines from all Ananda Marga books. We are to read, study, understand, and sincerely follow all His given teachings and mandates. That is the meaning of gurupujanam.

So to get success in spiritual life we should be more and more vigilant in gurupu’janam – i.e. obeying Guru’s teachings and orders. We should actively take part in this aspect of gurupu’janam throughout each and every day. This should become not just our habit but our nature.

Doing the 3 rounds of guru puja after sadhana is most necessary and part of our dharmic approach, but we should not think that this practice starts and ends there. Gurupu’janam is an all encompassing approach to life – following all do’s and don’ts & mandates. That will bring success in the spiritual realm. That means by doing gurup’ujanam one is sure to get Him. Any sadhaka will feel His sweet touch in each and every work – all the moments of life.” (From One Step to Please Guru)

In a short phrase, we can say that we are to do those things which make Baba happy. We are to do that which pleases Him. That is gurupujanam.

Here it should be understood that gurupujanam is only one of the factors for attaining success in spiritual life.

OTHER FACTORS FOR GAINING SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

So I close with a list of all the factors for gaining success in spiritual life. Because as we know, gurupujanam stands as only one of the seven factors needed for success in spiritual life. Any single factor by itself is not enough. They all work together in complementary fashion.

Here then are all the seven factors as given by Baba for gaining success in spiritual life.

Baba’s special mandate is that there is no seventh factor. Those aforementioned six factors are all that is needed to achieve success in the spiritual realm. Sincerity in those six factors will enable one to reach their cherished Goal.

WHAT IS SUCCESS IN SPIRITUAL LIFE

Many become confused and ponder what is meant by spiritual success. This is especially the case with non-margiis as they equate success with getting a good paying job, having financial security, and having those types of limited, worldly things that can never truly satisfy human longing.

After all, material things are transitory – here today, gone tomorrow. Worldly gains do not last; they are not permanent. Spiritual success is not like that. Parama Puruas is the eternal Bandhu. To get and realise Him is spiritual success in the true sense.

So our view and aim is 100% different from the material approach.

As every sadhaka easily understands, spiritual success means reaching to the Goal – becoming one with Parama Purusa. That is our perspective in Ananda Marga.

Parama Purusa is bliss personified; naturally as one progresses along the path and gets closer to Him, His divine qualities will be reflected in that sadhaka. In which case one will feel a greater sense of peace, happiness, and bliss. Their devotional standard will be higher and their sadhana will be deeper. Most importantly, one reaches closer and closer to Him – always feeling His divine presence.

In that state, all tension and degrading tendencies drift away as one is firmly advancing along the path of bliss – Ananda Marga. Spirituality becomes a practical aspect and driving force in one’s day to day life.

By sincerely understanding and adhering to gurupujanam, and the other factors for success, one will surely become more established in the realm of spirituality and hence make their life successful – i.e. become One with the Goal.

Namaskar,
Anandeshvar Deva

Note 1: REMEMBRANCE:

HOW BABA WOULD EXPRESS HIS HAPPINESS IN REPORTING

I can never forget how when Baba is happy then His whole face lights up in a beautiful manner and He says, “Yes, my boy did a very proper job. My girl did very nice work.” Those in various reporting sessions have witnessed Baba express His happiness in this way on countless occasions. No sadhaka can forget this; it is a most blissful remembrance.

Note 2: NOT JUST THEORETICAL

Here is another important aspect of devotional life. We should not think that pleasing Baba is just theoretical or hypothetical etc – nor is it a things of the past. Just as in those pre-1990 days in reporting sessions when Baba would express His happiness, still today, in this era also, we can please Him whereby He expresses His happiness.

When one does as per His wishes, then their entire mind will be vibrated by His divine grace. One will feel His bliss. His happiness has a very practical and tangible effect. Actually, we can say His grace is always present, and if anyone tries sincerely to please Him, naturally Baba will be gracious.

The more we communicate internally with Baba, the more we will understand what makes Him happy, as well as how He expresses His happiness. This is the essence of devotional life: Communicating with Him and getting His sweet response.

O’ human beings, behold, look, Baba, the Aja’na’ Pathik [1], has come. With His sweet, charming smile and infinite grace, He is pouring His endless compassion and love unto all. He is showering everyone with His divine blessing. All are getting bathed in His love. O’ brothers and sisters, come hither and see, Baba, the Aja’na’ Pathik has come and He is showering His causeless grace upon all.

Due to His divine arrival and august presence, the darkness which was in the mind has vanished somewhere – to one far distant place. In the past, where there was darkness, one stream of effulgence has come and blossomed in the colour of one rose. By His grace, the mind has become devotional, calm, and peaceful. Baba, the Ajana Pathik has come and showered His grace.

He has showered His blessing: He is near and dear to everyone. With His infinite love, everyone has a sacred and beloved place in His heart. Parama Purusa graciously holds each and every being in His bosom. O’ brothers and sisters, do not waste your time running after name and fame, money, prestige, or any other transitory thing. Do not run after mundane longings. Come unto the path of bliss, and fulfill your hopes and aspirations by reaching unto Him. Baba is the Ista – He is the Goal. Only He can quench your infinite thirst with His boundless love. O’ human beings, your life and death – your coming and going – on this earth is dancing in His Cosmic rhythm. Everything is blissful; everyone revolves around Him – nobody is alone. All are an inseparable part of Him. This is His divine liila and ultimately everyone is sure to become one with Him, by His causeless grace…

NOTES TO PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1550:

[1] Aja’na’ Pathik: The term Aja’na’ Pathik means ‘The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe and Who resides everywhere and knows everything, and irrespective of where one goes He remains along with you’. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name ‘Ajana Pathik’. Means the name ‘Ajana Pathik’ denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja’na’ means ‘unknown’ and Pathik means ‘divine traveler’. But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the “Unknown Traveler” or “Unknown Divine Traveler.” The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The the inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and by His special grace He is constantly present with everyone all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere – carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja’na’ Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire expressed universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. Thus in their devotional approach devotees feel that wherever they go then the Aja’na’ Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, devotees can always get His intimate company & companionship. With this devotional link, by His grace sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja’na’ Pathik.

Overall the name Aja’na’ Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A’nanda Ma’rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja’na’ Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has revealed this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. Hence He is always moving and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way He is known as – Aja’na’ Pathik.

Baba, O’ my Dearmost, You did not come close to me in the dawn of my life; but I do not have any agony in my mind about why You did not bring me under Your shelter that time – why You did not come close to me and become very intimate. For that I do not have any mental anguish or suffering. But I do have repentance in my heart for why I did not search You that time. That is why my heart is burning and crying all the time. The fault is mine: In my early years I did not search You. For that I have deep remorse.

Baba, that time You were so close to me – living side by side, always. Even then I did not call You or try to search for You by learning sadhana. I did not care about that back then. Just my days and nights passed in vain, doing various useless pursuits that time in the early stage of my life. Yet, now in the twilight of my life, the more those early remembrances sprout in mind, the more pain I feel.

Baba, by Your grace, everyone comes onto this earth for a short span of time, for a calculated period. And there are so many works to do. Yet fruitlessly people waste their time blaming God for their misfortunes – but there is no benefit in this. Because everyone is facing their own samskara. When they remove the umbrella of vanity, they will realise that Your grace is showering eternally.

Baba, You are ever gracious; what You do is best for me. My only desire is to always remain under Your shelter…

== STAGES OF HUMAN LIFE ==

Here following are the Sanskrit terms demarcating the various stages of human life. Accompanying them are corollary English terms. However since the English language does not formally divide human life in the exact systematic way as in Sanskrit, then everyone should give their further suggestions for how to best express the English counterpart.

Baba has formed these categories of life based upon changes that come as a result of changes in: age, psychological outlook, physical & psychic development, etc.

Baba says, “Human life is composed various stages. And the collection of all the stages encompasses the entire human life. And just as human beings have these ten stages, similarly the life of each and every living being is composed of these ten stages. So depending upon the type of living being and environmental conditions such as climate and temperature etc, the duration of each of these stages varies, either increasing or decreasing. Following are the stages of life for a human being living in a tropical country.”

1) Ma’trgarbha: anuma’nika 10 ma’s (Mother’s Womb; approx 10 months)

2) Shaeshav: 0 to 5 (Infancy)

3) Balyaka’l: 5 to 14 (Childhood)

4) Kaeshora: 14 to 16 (Youth)

5) Paogan’d’a: 16 to 18 (Teenage / Adolescence)

6) Yauban: 18 to 39 (Early adult life)

7) Praor’hatva: 39 to 50 (Middle age)

8) Ba’rdhakya: 50 to 72 (Older adult life / senior citizen)

9) Jara’: 72 to 100 (Elderly)

10) Atharva: 100 + (Centenarian)

(Laghu Nirukta p.349)

Ma’trgarbha (Stage 1): In Varna Vicitra part 1, Baba comments that the duration of this first stage is ideally 10 months & 10 days. That is how long the fetus remains inside the womb, in the best of circumstances. If however, the fetus is born before this time, then the new born will not be properly mature. In that case its physical and mental development has not occurred up to the optimal degree. This stands as yet another proof how human life begins in the mother’s womb and therefore the act of abortion is not accepted in A’nanda Ma’rga.

Balyaka’l (Stage 3): Due to the excess in-take of protein and fat and due to chemicals in the food, the age of puberty in so-called developed countries is rapidly decreasing. Now some young girls reach puberty at the tender age of 8 and some boys begin puberty at the age of 9. The extremely early onset of adolescence is the result of terrible imbalances in lifestyle and ultimately this creates serious problems in the society. Because suddenly 10 year old girls are getting pregnant and producing their own babies, yet they themselves are still young children and completely unable to take care of their offspring. This is the tragedy unfolding in various so-called developed countries.

Jara’ (Stage 9): This means those whose bodies has begun shrinking.

Atharava (Stage 10): This means those who are almost immobile.

SUMMARY

This entire cycle of life is the divine liila of Parama Purusa. A baby is born and blooms up to its full development and then gradually it shrinks in its old age. This is the divine play of “Hari & Hara”. That is why this world is called jagat – because everything is mobile. Everything is changing; nothing is stationary. Those who have come will one day go. Those who have gone, they have gone in order to return again. This infinite liila of Parama Purusa is going on from beginninglessness up to eternity. In reality, this liila is miserable for jinanis; but for bhaktas it is blissful. In this cosmic liila everyone has their own particular role to play. And those who remember that they are part of a divine drama, they enjoy; and those who forget, they cry. But in the real sense everything is blissful because everyone is dancing around Parama Purusa.

Namaskar,
In this cycle of creation known as brahmacakra or srsti cakra, we are fortunate that we have been given the upper-most place: Human life. As we know, human life is completely unique. Only those whom Parama Purusa blesses are granted human existence. Even the devatas are always trying and longing to get human life, because without getting a human framework – without achieving a human body – one cannot do sadhana.

MIND-BODY CONNECTION

Of course, it is the mind which does sadhana; yet the mind is situated within the body. Hence there is a deep link between the two. If the body is uncomfortable, sick, or plagued by some type of disease, then the mind cannot function properly. Because the mind needs the support of a healthy body in order to think or concentrate in a pointed manner. Thus for proper sadhana a healthy body is an absolute necessity.

That is why in yoga, the first step is to keep the body pure and fit. And as we know, in our Ananda Marga there are numerous teachings & guidelines that are directly related with the upkeep, maintenance, and purification of the physical body – as this is integral to our movement on the path.

Baba says, “The physical body should be sanctified…by various physical practices that affect the nerve fibres of the body; because through the nerve fibres, through the afferent and efferent nerves, the first phase of realization comes.” (Yoga Psychology, ’98 Edn, p.170)

EVERYTHING DONE TO REACH THE GOAL

And, in Ananda Marga, everything is done to reach the Goal: To come closer to Parama Purusa. All the practices of AM aim to reduce the radius between the jiiva and the Cosmic Nucleus: Baba. That is why from dawn to dusk & from birth to death, all our activities and works – whether small or big, mundane or spiritual, individual or collective – everything is done to come closer to God: Parama Purusa. And this entire process, or collection of efforts, is a type of sadhana.

And to improve that sadhana, or movement of life, it demands that we become intimately familiar about every aspect of Baba’s teachings. And while we are all aware about Sixteen Points, even then there may be some inner aspects to ponder further.

POINT #1 OF SIXTEEN POINTS

Here following then are a few thoughts regarding this first point of 16 Points. I hope other sadhakas will also send in their experiences and insights about this.

“After urination wash the urinary organ with water.”

Generally speaking, all margiis are certainly aware about this point. Even then there may be a few aspects of this practice which are new for some people. Because there are some lesser known health & hygiene facts associated
with the practice of this first point of 16 Points. So some sincere practitioners may not be fully aware.

The whole purpose behind this initial guideline of Sixteen Points is to clear all the excess urine from the urinary tract. And to achieve this fully, one must pour plenty of cold water on the entire genital area. Then the bladder and the entire urinary tract will contract thus releasing all the urine from the system.

To produce this desired effect, one can pour as much as 1 full liter or more of cold water on the urinary organ and pubic region at the time of urination. The entire genital area should be properly covered with water & hence cooled. That will certainly release any remaining urine from the body, even if one does not have the urge to go anymore.

Think of it this way: Most of the time people do not feel the need to urinate before getting into the swimming pool, yet once they submerge themselves in the water then quickly the desire comes to urinate. This is due to being immersed in cool water. That is why smart people will always use water before going in the pool and clear the bladder fully, then the desire will not arise once in the pool.

The key concept then is that cold water will draw the remaining urine from the body. Just as being in the swimming pool stimulates the further flow of urine, the same effect is done by pouring a liter or more of water when urinating. By this technique one is sure to release all the urine from the body.

SOME GET LAZY

Unfortunately some, consciously or unconsciously, have gotten habituated to “following” point #1 of Sixteen Points in a ritualistic manner. They just haphazardly put a few drops of water on the urinary organ after urination – and finish. It is as if they just took a dropper bottle or an eye-drop dispenser and relased 1 or 2 tine drops. This minuscule amount of water is never going to produce the desired effect. So this type of half-hearted approach does not give any real benefit. It is just a ritualistic show that has no real practical value. This approach has nothing to do with following point #1 of 16 Points.

To follow this mandate properly, one must use a sufficient quantity of cold water: That means 1 liter over the entire pubic region.

MANY BENEFITS ARE THERE

By this particular use of water after urination, the body is properly maintained. The cooling effect of the water and consequent re-heating by the body gives many long-term benefits and prevents diseases related with that area of the body.

(A) Enhanced Circulation: By pouring cold water then the blood quickly rushes from that area and new oxygenated blood from the heart and lungs comes delivering vital nutrients. This exchange of blood brings health to the region.

(B) Bladder Stones: When excess urine remains in the bladder then there is the possibility for that to crystallize and form stones that can completely block the urinary tract. By pouring sufficient cold water after urination, then all the urine is released from the body and there is no possibly for the formation of bladder stones.

(C) Incontinence: The valve associated with urination is voluntary. When the brain gives the order then the valve will either hold or release the urine. But when the muscles around that valve weaken, then the valve is unable to properly control the flow of urine. In that state, a person suffers from constant dripping and incontinence. By pouring water regularly after the time of urination, then oxygenated blood will properly maintain and strengthen those muscles, thereby preventing this disease.

(D) Mind Reaches to Higher Cakras: By using cold water regularly, the nerves and nerve fibers related with that cakra are strengthend and the mind can reach up to higher cakras.

(E) Prostate Glands and Testes: They get revitalised by the use of cold water. This prevents all kinds of serious diseases like cancer from forming in that area.

Anyone already suffering from any of the aforementioned problems should do cold water treatments regularly to recondition and rehabilitate the nerves, muscles and organs of that area.

Sadhakas however will not suffer from those common diseases and ailments that adversely affect non-margiis at the age of 45 – 60+, whereby they cannot control the flow of urine from the body. In which case they experience drops or a drip from the urinary organ throughout the day. But such health issues will not happen to sadhakas who sincerely observe point #1 of 16 points.

EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES

So we should pursue and practice this first point as sincerely as possible by using a fully liter of water to cleanse the urinary organ and surrounding area. That said, there may be occasions when this is just not possible:

(A) Suppose one is travelling on a bus or train and the only water available is the few ounces in a small shacoa container, then one will have to adjust with that amount. There is no other way.

(B) Suppose one is in Ananda Nagar in the summer time when there is a dearth of water. In that heat when one is already drinking a lot, and consequently urinating frequently, then using full liter of water to clean is not possible nor practical.

(C) Suppose one lives or is posted in a desert region like in Africa, Arizona (USA), Saudi Arabia, or Rajasthan (India); then there is going to be a shortage of water and using an entire liter after urinating will not be possible. One cannot sacrifice drinking water for the sake of cleaning after urination. Rather one will have to adjust with the smallest amount of water.

Our overall aim should be to cleanse properly and thoroughly using a full liter of water after urination. But as noted, in certain conditions this may not be possible so an adjustment will have to be made. And when one is again in an area or situation where water is more freely available and plentiful, then one should again use the full and proper amount.

MAKE IT A HABIT

Generally, people are somewhat particular about cleaning their backside, but not their front side. By making this practice of using a full liter after urination an ingrained habit then that will bring so many health and psychic benefits.

The best way to make it a habit is to fortify oneself with proper logic and reasoning. For instance, if one knows that dancing kaoshikii and tandava regularly will prevent Alzheimer’s disease, then one will be more inclined to practice those dances. And if one is not aware of this point then they may not do those dances regularly.

Similarly, by educating oneself of the benefits of using a sufficient amount of cold water at the time of urination, then they will be more apt to make this a proper habit in life.

And many other benefits will come from properly following this initial guideline. The key factor for deriving all these benefits is to apply an ample amount of cold water on the entire genital region during & after the time of urination. Putting one or two drops on the organ will not do; rather that will be one superficial display only.

ALL THE REALMS OF LIFE

The culminating idea is that our practice of Sixteen Points then is related with the development of the human structure and human personality in all the realms – thus transforming our entire existence. So it is nothing but divine grace that we have access to these eternal and dharmic guidelines.

Baba says, “Human existence is trifarious. A sadhaka has got his spiritual body, his psychic body and his quinquelemental body– this physical structure–hands, legs, ears, nose, etc. When the flow is for the Supreme Desideratum, there must be an adjustment amongst these three flows of human spirit, human mind, and human entity. There must be parallelism between spiritual flow and the psychic, and there must be parallelism between psychic wave and the entitative wave. For progress in entitative flow, one is to lead a pure life, a moralistic life, a life based on moral principles…Follow a strict code of morality. Live a pure life, a neat and clean life. Be strict in 16 Points. What will happen? Your entitative flow will get purified and will be in parallelism with your psychic wave.” (Baba in Taiwan, p.44)

Namaskar,
Omprakash

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“A’ka’she a’loke bhese ja’y tava mahima’ri katha’…” (PS 3287)

Puport:

Baba, You are the most magnificent One. The tale of Your glory and grandeur is floating and permeating throughout each and every molecule of the vast, blue sky and in the effulgence – everywhere. Baba, Your story,
the story of the ever-present, Ancient One, is glittering in all the realms: in both bhuloka and duloka – in the physical and spiritual worlds. Baba, You are so gracious.

O’ Ancient, Divine One, You are eternally, ever-new. Baba, You are always, intrinsically with everyone – just like their vital force, just like their pra’na. Baba, You always remain present in my feeling, ideation, and intuition. For that reason this eternal longing of my heart is for You and You alone.

Baba, with the flow of effulgence You color my mind, and You are sitting in the depths of my ideation playing Your divine flute in the deep core of my heart. Baba, You are so compassionate: You do not neglect or overlook anyone. You graciously goad everyone towards divinity; You show everyone the path which leads to immortality.

Namaskar,
Baba’s below teaching is quite meaningful for every sadhaka – and every non-sadhaka too.

Baba says, “Those who do the sa’dhana’ of desire, who knowingly direct their propensities (vrttis) towards external objects become crude….Their condition is then degraded to the level not merely of animals, but of matter – of wood, stone, etc.”

“Actually, such snobbish materialists are far inferior to animals like asses, etc. They repeatedly face rebirth and continually bind themselves to the chain of slavery; they can never attain the ultimate liberation. As a result of their crude thoughts, they take the form of animals or straw, trees, etc. Through the centripetal action of introversive prakrti, they regain human bodies, but they again become involved in crude activities and attain sub-human bodies. Thus they fall repeatedly into the eddies of life and death; repeatedly they are caught in the dreadful pit of death. They
remain only half-alive, fearing death every moment of their existence. This becomes their destiny. Truly speaking, such beasts in human form are lower than animals….”

“…Therefore human beings must clearly understand their true responsibilities and act accordingly. They must proceed towards perfection by making proper use of their mental endowments and resources. They cannot sit back smugly after realising through rationality where deathlessness can be attained. In order to be established in it they will have to follow the path of integration and suffering instead of the path of analysis, and absorb themselves in the sa’dhana’, of the internal instead of the external.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 4, ‘Matter & Spirit’)

By Baba’s grace we are all sadhakas and are hence fortunate to have gotten such a blessing from Baba. He has graciously taught us Brahmavidya, and our AM philosophy guides us that cycle of creation is His cosmic connation. Parama Purusa Himself has created this system and human life is the only experience where one has the freedom and consciousness to do something on their own, in a limited way. Whereas animal life is purely for exhausting samskaras – nothing more. Certainly in human life one has to face the samskaras of their previous life, but one can do good deeds also and advance on the path of pure spirituality without creating further samskaras.

Baba’s above quotation nicely describes how the samskara theory works in the practical realm and how it is highly beneficial for keeping the mind focused on God and how to across this ocean of bhava (bundle of samkaras). One should know how to lead life accordingly and guide others. There is no other way. Avoiding this truth means inviting more problems. Atheistic people generally do not believe in the samskara theory but by Baba’s grace we can understand and know how it really works.

Note: The following is the first-hand account of Shrii Vibhuti Narayan Singh, a long-time margii who worked as a district officer in the Indian government. He is a very active and important margii who arranged the land for the Samastipur jagrti – still today that jagrti sits on that lap. Everybody knows he is a good devotee of Baba.

Namaskar,
I was initiated in 1978 in Samastipur (Bihar) and on various occasions Baba blessed me. By His grace I had deep faith in Him.

In those days, I would only see Baba when He gave general darshan. I used to hear stories from various margiis that Baba knows everything and that when sadhakas go for personal contact (PC), dharma samiiksa, and reporting, then He punishes them for their mistakes in order to rectify them etc. I had so much fear about this that I dared not go and have PC with Baba.

FIRST TIME GOING FOR PC

Some of my close margii friends tried to get me to go for PC and I always refused their invitations and requests. Ultimately on one occasion, they dragged me into the line to get PC. I was standing in the queue to see Baba. I was extremely nervous and frightened about what might happen. Without telling anyone I Ieft.

When my margii friends heard this they tried to encourage and inspire me to go back for PC to get Baba’s blessing. They valiantly attempted to infuse me with the strength and courage, but I refused.

SECOND TIME GOING FOR PC

One day they again took me to see Baba. By that time I had the realisation that Baba is Parama Purusa because He appeared before me once in the form of Lord Shiva with His tiger skin, matted locks and trishul (trident). That story I will narrate another time.

So I had deep faith in Baba; it was only out of fear that I did not want to go close to Him in PC etc.

On this second occasion I was again in queue for PC. In total, there were 13 people in the line; and I was 7th. As those ahead of me came out from their PC with Baba, I carefully watched their facial expressions and acutely listened to their tales. I asked each of them about their experience.

There were a few themes that they all told:
1. Baba knows everything and one cannot hide anything from Him;
2. They got beaten by Baba for their past misdeeds and sins.

This much everybody told as they emerged from PC that day.

Hearing this I started repeating Baba’s name. I was standing in line for PC, yet mentally asking Him, “O’ Lord, You are God incarnate and my only desire is that my number should not be called this time for PC. That is my only request. Being the all powerful Divine Entity, please grace me.”

Actually I would have run away like I did last time, but my friends were keenly watching to ensure I did not leave. I could not run away this time. For this reason, I was mentally requesting Baba to relieve me and not call my number.

As I was getting closer to the front of the line, my fear multiplied exponentially. At the same time my request intensified: “Baba, please have mercy – do not call my number.”

The line was getting shorter. Then the person directly before me entered for PC. I was next in line. My fear had reached extreme heights. I was absolutely terrified and I was mentally requesting Baba again and again not to call me.

The person in front of me emerged from Baba’s room – his PC was over. The margii walked by me. I was next. PA Dada stood in front of me. I was certain he was going to grab me for PC. I continued my pleadings to Baba not to call me for PC.

Suddenly, PA Dada came directly to where I was waiting and announced, “Baba will not conduct any more PC’s today.”

Lo and behold, by His grace, my number never came! I was next in line and now suddenly I did not have to go in for PC. I was overjoyed and indebted to Baba.

I thought, “O’ Baba, You heard my request. You are so gracious.”

I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I was so happy that Baba fulfilled my desire. That was the last day of the program so it was certain I would not get PC.

That moment my belief that Baba is Parama Purusa became even more strengthened. I became more dedicated. I thought everything was perfect. But that feeling did not remain with me forever.

STILL TODAY I AM REPENTANT

Now 25 years later, when I think about the past, I feel repentant. Why was I so ignorant that I did not go for PC and dharma samiiksa. I had the opportunity but I did not go.

I know my repentance will remain with me so long as I am on this earth – my whole life. Baba graced me in so many ways but this episode of PC is a big, empty vacuum in my mind. How was I too frightened to go for PC. This feeling comes again and again in my mind: Why did I not go? I missed the opportunity. Every morning and every evening I think about this – it plagues me.

At this very moment I repent.

In closing, please allow me to share that although you may not call this my story about PC, but I call it the story about my PC.

Namaskar,
Vibhuti Deva

REFLECTION

The above heart-felt story recounted by Shrii Vibhuti Narayan Singh contains many gems and jewels for us all.

First, Guru satisfies all requests. Best is that one should not ask for anything as only He knows what is best for us. If Parama Purusa asks us again and again, “What do you want?” Then the sadhaka should say, “I want You”, “I want parabhakti”, or “O Lord, please lead my intellect unto the path of Supreme Benevolence.”

Baba says, “It is better not to ask Parama Puruśa for anything. Without cherishing any desire in one’s mind, one should proceed towards Him. If at all one cannot do that, then one may pray to Parama Puruśa, “Oh Lord, lead my intellect along the path of benevolence. Keep my intellect united with the Supreme Benevolence.”” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 4, Remain United with the Supreme Benevolence)

Second, in contrast, if we ask Him for anything then He will certainly satisfy our request. In that case we will repent, as happened with Shrii Vibhuti Narayan Singh. No doubt the temptation comes to ask something but one must resist.

Third, if we ask for something then so much time gets spent in satisfying that request. That is the way it goes. That is what happened with Singhji. In the above case he was about to get PC but his whole longing was not to get PC. And that is what happened – his desire was fulfilled – he did not get PC. And now he is repentant and he realises his mistake.

Fourth, he should have asked: “O’ Lord, I want to come close to You. Please be gracious and remove all the fears and obstacles that are in the way.” With that request his concerns would have vanished and he would have gotten PC. But he chose differently and now he repents.

The conclusion is that humans ask for all kinds of things and thereby invite so many problems. No matter the temptation, one should never ask anything from Him; rather use the time in singing His name.

Namaskar,
Ramdhan Deva

OUR SANSKRIT NAMES

Little by little we should all be accustomed to following Baba’s below guideline and begin at least by using Deva when we sign our emails.

Baba says, “The word deva should be suffixed to the name…the more the usage of deva as a title, the better it is. The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings.” (Caryacarya-1)

Note 1: WHAT TO ASK FOR

Here Baba guides us what we should ask for from Parama Purusa.

Baba says, “So the devotees with kevalá bhakti in their hearts do not ask Parama Puruśa for anything. Even if Parama Puruśa proposes to give them this or that, the aspirant will say, “No, Lord, I don’t want anything but You. I want to remain with you. What You are offering to me is a trivial thing; I want You and You alone, nothing else.”” (Subhasita Samgraha – 14, Yoga, Tantra, and Kevalá Bhakti)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: Progress occurs in waves, via periods of speed and pause. In the spiritual field, sometimes the mind is very lucid and sometimes quite dry. In Prabhat Samgiita, the dry mind is represented by the hot, barren summer and the lucid mind is expressed by the lush, rainy season. This following composition is the song of the rainy season.

In this rainy season, new plants and grasses have started growing. The lost beauty of the forest is slowly returning back; the barrenness of summer is gone. Now everything is getting decorated in a new way.

The sadhaka is asking that invisible, Divine Entity, “Who has come and changed the entire scene of the forest?”. By all these changes it is clear that someone has come – all these changes reflect the arrival of one Entity. The dress of that Entity is expressed by the lush green vegetation.

“Ta’l tama’liira vanero ma’jhe ke go ele nava sa’je…” (PS 3004)

Purport:

In the palm and tama’l woods, in this rainy season, Who are You Who has come in new dress and form? It is Your grace that You have allowed me to come close to You. You have captivated my heart. Opening the door of the mind, You have filled me with devotion and engaged me in Your work – in Your sadhana, in Your service.

The earth is inundated with rain. The puddles, small ponds, and lakes [1] have become one. There is water all around. The dust of summer is gone. My vibrated mind is filled with You – in Your ideation, in Your thought, in Your meditation – in the atmosphere of that nandan [2] aroma.

The sky and the underworld have become one in their vibration, both are dancing in the same rhythm. Now, the sky is no longer just the sky and the underworld is not simply the underworld – both have become divine. All are dancing in one rhythm – in the rhythm of Parama Purusa. All these expressions have become a vibrated necklace of that one effulgence – yearning for an iota of Your divine grace.

O’ Lord, please shower Your causeless grace on me…

NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #3004:

[1] Lake: One of the terms in Samskrta for lake is hrd. Baba has clearly mentioned this in His grammar books. But those who are confused wrongly translate hrd as “heart”. In that case their attempt at translation only serves to mislead the reader.

[2] Nandan: In the above song nandan refers to that beautiful attracting aroma. When human beings come in contact with certain expressions they derive much happiness. It is because of that derived happiness that they seek out those objects.

That is why various tourists or nature-lovers visit various places: Because they feel attracted. In return, they wish to give pleasure as well. They donate money or work to protect and keep those places pristine. The goal is to derive and give back pleasure.

Those engaged in nandan vijiana are attracted to various worldly things, knowingly or unknowingly: Art, dance, drama, music, paintings – these are all expressions of nandan vijiana, or aesthetic science. Some other examples including decorating one’s hair, landscaping, beautifying the home or office, and sightseeing (going to museums and art galleries etc).

In the field of kiirtan also, nandan vijiana plays a role. In the initial stage, devotees do kiirtan to derive pleasure – that is nandan vijiana. When their mind becomes ensconced in Parama Purusa then their sole desire is to give pleasure to Him. Then their mind is above nandan vijiana and it is in mohan vijiana, or supra-aesthetic science.

So the idea is that in nandan vijiana the goal is to give and get pleasure whereas in mohan vijiana the sole desire is to give pleasure to Parama Purusa. Nandnan vijiana starts with worldly expressions and builds up to the entry into spiritual life.

Those running after purely physical things are in a lower state of mind. When their sentient factor is awakened and the mind is more elevated, they lose interest in physical crude pleasures and they seek out psychic pleasure such as creative writing (novels or plays), critical thinking (philosophy) , and reading etc.

Baba You are mine; my everything is depending on You. You are my Ista; You are my Goal. Baba, I long to see You in hundreds of forms, hundreds of times – again and again. But, You only got held in name, song, melody, and tune. I only got You in those few ways. Baba, with my deep yearning, I search for You very near in the depths of my heart; I do not ever want for You to remain far away.

Baba, by Your grace I have a deep longing and earnest desire to have You close, with the bond of love, in Your rhythmic expression and resonance. Baba, I want You close, in the land of the sweet resonance of the divine flute, in each and every blissful moment, in the world of the divine effulgence and beyond – eternally.

Namaskar,
Recently after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba.

He said, “After being punished by Baba, then He called me close and placed me on His lap – I remained there for some time soaking up His love – and He blessed me.”

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa.
When he finished telling his story, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries.

QUESTION BY A NEW MARGII

Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, “How did Baba bring you back to life?”

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around – people were really shocked to hear him say this

The new sadhaka sensed that something was awry.

He said very matter-of-factly, “I thought that sitting on Baba’s Lap means that he (the margii) died – that is why I asked that question.”

This was totally eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba’s lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people on use the phrase “Baba’s lap” when a person has died, such as “Let him rest peacefully in Baba’s lap.” Many emails have been written this way.

MUST NOT ONLY REFER TO DEATH

At that moment I thought that everyone, new and old, should be clear about the real and devotional meaning of this phrase, “being on Baba’s lap.” It should not become stigmatized such that it only means death. Because in its true sense the phrase “being on Baba’s lap” really does carry a highly devotional and sweet feeling.

It is just like how a small child sits on its parent’s lap. In a similar way, a spiritual child (human being) sits on the lap of Parama Purusa. By Baba’s grace this can happen anytime in one sadhana, especially in dhyana. Such a phrase then should not become stigmatized because too many people only use it at the time of death.

We should be careful that we do not relegate “Baba’s lap” only to the point of death. All these following terms and phrases also only refer to death:

We should ensure that the same death connotation does not get attached to, “being on Baba’s lap.” Because the phase “being on Baba’s lap” is a devotional experience that can happen today itself in sadhana, and especially in dhyana. The phrase “being on Baba’s lap” should not lose this quality and only mean death. It should not meet the same dark fate as happened with the term harijan.

MUST NOT MEET SAME FATE AS HARIJAN

As we all know, these days in India nobody uses the term harijan to mean “a devotee”. Whereas 70 years ago it was used in that way. The term harijan did mean bhakta. But ever since the time of Gandhi when he glued the harijan term to the lowest so-called caste, i.e so-called untouchables, nobody uses the the harijan to mean devotee. Never. Because the term harijan has been stigmatized to mean “untouchable”. Nobody uses it to mean “devotee” but that is the original and true meaning of the word.

The phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its devotional quality and just refer to one’s death. That will be very negative.

A VERY DEVOTIONAL EXPRESSION

There are thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, “on Baba’s lap”, when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply devotional value of this expression and not just think that Baba’s lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba’s lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and dhyana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply devotional experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba’s lap including in sadhana and especially during dhyana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a devotional practice and one can sit on Baba’s lap in dhyana. We should make it cent-pet-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, “sitting on Baba’s lap”, does not mean death.

Namaskar,
Divyajyoti

Note 1: RECENT EXAMPLES

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses “in Baba’s lap” with the occasion of death:

“May her soul rest in Baba’s lap for ever.”

“Let her rest peacefully in Baba’s Lap – which she always desired.”

“now she is in beloved Baba’s lap”

“She is now in BÁBÁ’S loving lap”

The above lines were written in response to the recent passing of a dear margii, Gayattrii Devii. And it is fine to write like this – only the point is that this same phrase “in Baba’s lap” should be used when describing one’s devotional practices and experiences as well.

Note 2: ON BABA’S LAP

We know that one can sit on the lap of Parama Purusa in dhyana and so many of our devotional practices. This is well accepted idea in our Marga.

Baba says, “Now if the same humans address Parama Puruśa with appropriate humility, saying, “Oh Lord, show us the way, take us to Your feet and allow us to sit on Your loving lap” – this is devotion. If this devotion is present, everything else will automatically take care of itself.” (SS-11, What Is the Way?)

Baba says, “Intelligent people who move firmly along the path of dharma and sit on the lap of Iśt́a are destined to be victorious.” (SS-12, Where There Is Dharma There Is Iśt́a, and Where There Is Iśt́a There Is Victory)

Baba says, “One who doesn’t entertain any thought about past, present or future, but simply says, “I have come to take shelter in You,” is sure to get the shelter of Parama Puruśa and will certainly be lifted onto His lap.” (AV-5, Taking Refuge Is the Final Word)

By Baba’s above teaching it is very clear that by surrendering to Him with love and devotion, one is sure to attain His lap. This may happen in dhyana or other spiritual practices. That is Baba’s expressed guideline.

The culminating portion of one’s dhya’na practice is sitting on His lap. Those who practice dhyana regularly understand this. In dhyana there are two parts. The first part is serving Him and the second part is sitting on His Lap and merging in Him.

Furthermore even those who could do proper sadhana during their lifetime, but if they at least attempted to sit twice daily, they too will get mukti and that symbolically means sitting on the lap of Parama Purusa.

If however, this phrase – “sitting on the lap of Parama Purusa” – is only used at the time of death, then new people will come to associate “sitting on Baba’s lap” with death (mahaprayan). This is the way slang (street talk) develops.

If some start thinking they can only attain the lap of Parama Purusa upon death and not in dhyana etc, then if someone reads that by dhyana one can sit on Baba’s lap, then they will think that dhyana means that “one is going to die”, i.e. mahaprayan.

It will be very similar to what happened with the the term harijan, which became exclusively associated with being an untouchable – not a child of God. People forgot the real meaning of the term harijan.

We should not let the phrase “sitting on the lap of Parama Purusa” meet a similar fate. None should mistakenly think that “sitting on the lap of Parama Purusa” can only occur at the time of death. The phrase should not be limited in this way.

Rather, as His disciples we should remember and think that when one is sincere in their devotional approach then anytime Parama Purusa can lift a sadhaka onto His lap. This is Baba’s stated teaching. Veritably, with proper effort and sincerity, during the culmination of dhyana one will always sit on His lap.

The conclusion is that people should use this phrase – “sitting on the lap of Parama Purusa” – on other occasions also. Now it has become the tradition to use it at the time of death (mahaprayan) and not at other times. By this way in the due course this phrase will become untouchable.